hololive TODAY Q&A: Artists & Creators Reflect on OffKai Expo 2026
By Tomato
August 31, 2026 12:30 PM PT
Although OffKai Expo 2026 ended a little over a month ago, we wanted to look back and reflect on one of the biggest in-person events for VTubers and VTuber fans alike.
Certainly, especially for the hololive fans attending the event, it was a bit unfortunate that there was no official hololive activation this year.
However, there was still plenty to look forward to: fan-hosted meetups, hololive-themed stamp rallies in Artist Alley, and connecting with so many different artists and creators who’ve been part of the hololive community for years.
After all, conventions like this are the perfect space for getting the community to come together and socialize, do group oshikatsu, share dialogue, and more. Truly, it’s the community that makes the hololive space what it is.
So what better way to reflect than by asking some of the scene’s most central voices, like the artists and content creators themselves, about their thoughts on OffKai Expo 2026, while also getting to know a little more about their background, their creative works, and their experiences with hololive?
Without further ado, please join us in welcoming several artists and creators we spoke with at Artist Alley as they share their thoughts on the event: Dayshi, Limpachi, Moorina, Ojamahou, Oolongcreama, Tellingbone, Ushiipurin, and Xiisalt!
hololive TODAY:
Tell us a little bit about yourself! How long have you been an artist/creator?
Dayshi (@dayshiART):
I think I’ve been drawing for as long as I remember- I was known as the art kid in grade school! But I never really took it seriously until middle school. Since then, I very slowly started doing it professionally, and around 2021 I went full-time! Since then, I've done work for many VTubers I look up to! It’s been very fun~
Limpachi (@limpachu):
I'm Limpachi! I'm an illustrator who designs cute and practical merchandise inspired by anime, video games, and vtubers. Art has always been a hobby of mine since I was young. I started to take it more seriously in my teens and made it into a career once I finished University.
link to Limpachi’s portfolio: https://lim-pachi.carrd.co
Moorina (@booniecake):
Hi hi!~ I'm Moorina, and I like to draw cute girls! I've been drawing all my life, but started focusing becoming an illustrator full time around 2015.
link to Moorina’s online shop: https://moorina.bigcartel.com
Ojamahou (@ojamahou):
I've been drawing for as long as I remember! I would doodle all the time as a kid. Once I became sentient, I remember drawing a lot of Shugo Chara and my favourite Pokemon ships (Advanceshipping and Ikarishipping lol). Sometime during Grade 6, my teacher told me I should go to school for Animation and that set my whole life on a path. I've been going to conventions and selling my art since 2023 though!
Oolongcreama (@oolongcreama):
I'm an art director and mixed media animator you might know from my work on a handful of MVs for Gigi Murin, as well as a couple other projects for different talents! I've been making mixed media animation work since college, and I've been tabling at conventions for quite a bit longer - on and off since 2015, but a small university convention once let me table when I was eleven so I can jokingly say I've been doing this for nearly a decade and a half now.
Tellingbone (@tellingbones):
HI! I'm Bones. I've been doing animation for as long as I've existed - so, five million years or so.
Ushiipurin (@ushiipuriin):
Hiya my name is ushiipuriin! I have been a full-time artist/convention artist since mid-late 2024 but have been creating physical merchandise as early as 2019. I primarily specialize in a colorful and cute art style depicting mostly vtubers, anime, manga, and video games. On top of doing art, I am also a vtuber and cosplayer!
Xiisalt (@xiisalt_):
I am a 21 year old university dropout who decided to follow my passions of drawing anime girls online! I started drawing from a young age and would post traditional art online as @fuyuch7 on Instagram, but when I reached the end of high school, I got really bored and picked up digital art and have not looked back since.
hololive TODAY:
Who in hololive is your oshi, if you have one?
Dayshi:
My Hololive is Amelia Watson. She’s the first one I watched, and old-time followers may remember how often I used to draw her!
Limpachi:
In Hololive, my oshi is Subaru! I love her positive energy! For EN, my oshi was Mumei, but Bae is a close second.
Moorina:
My Hololive oshis are Gura and Fuwamoco! I started watching before EN branch came out though. Back then I watched mostly Marine and Rushia.
Ojamahou:
I don't know if it's a little obvious that I really like Gigi Murin...Before Gigi, my Kamioshi was Calliope Mori! I still love her a lot though.
Oolongcreama:
Gigi! I'm late to the party and have only been around since Justice's debut so I love them all dearly, and it's been fun to get more familiar with the older talents as I spend more time in this space. I also really love Marine, though I primarily know her through her music.
Tellingbone:
I'm sure the answer is obvious, but I shan't say. If I pick the wrong girl, there will be hitmen outside my door.
Ushiipurin:
I love all members of hololive, however I would say Ina and Raora are my oshis in EN as they are also artists and are such cute and cozy streamers! On the JP side, I absolutely adore Towa-sama - she’s so cool and her husky voice is one of my favorites~
Xiisalt:
My oshis are Kiara and Raora!
hololive TODAY:
Was there a particular stream, debut, or other moment that inspired you to start creating hololive fanwork?
Dayshi:
Definitely Ame’s debut stream. I missed every other myth debut- I remember randomly coming across her debut as it was happening. I was like… What the heck is this?? But something about how the model looked and moved really captivated me. I was so curious how it all worked! And Ame’s bubbly personality only pulled me in more! I tuned into every stream after that and eventually decided to start drawing her~ when she noticed my art, it was the best feeling ever!!!
Limpachi:
I don't have a specific stream or moment inspire me to start drawing Hololive merchandise. I tend to just draw things that I like when it feels right.
Moorina:
The Myth debut inspired me to draw my first proper Hololive fan art! It was Gura (not a surprise). Her adorable and simple design, cute voice, charming personality and beautiful singing captured me immediately!
Ojamahou:
Since watching Myth from day 1, when I realized that their first anniversary was coming up, I really wanted to show them how much they've done for me and thus my first Hololive fanart of my own volition was created. If we want to be really specific, the actual first time I drew a hololive member was a commission for Korone the year before.
Oolongcreama:
I got into hololive(and vtubers in general) through working on Gigi's debut - I really wanted to understand what I was working on and I kind of fell into the rabbit hole doing so LOL. VTubing is such a young medium that generates a very unique creative output and it's fun to see how the space grows and changes every year.
Tellingbone:
I actually didn't make Hololive fanwork before they hired me. Or fanwork of anything at all, really. I've been on a hard grind the past couple of years to keep a roof over my head through my work, so there was very little time for art outside of commissions. When Gigi first picked me up to animate for her, she was giving me a huge opportunity to work on something fresh and exciting that I wouldn't have had time for otherwise.
I owe a lot of my growth as an artist to these girls and the passion projects they let me have a hand in. Gigi especially has done more for me than I can reasonably put into words. I'm grateful for these girls.
Ushiipurin:
I’ve been a fan of hololive and vtubers in general for quite a long time, so I can’t say for certain if there was a particular moment that inspired me to start creating hololive specific fanwork. However, I did decide to pursue full-time art as a career not too long after the debut of Justice. I was preparing to make a new set of merchandise for my first ever convention after a 4-ish year long hiatus from cons so perhaps their debuts were the nudge for me to start drawing all of hololive EN!
Xiisalt:
My friend really liked CC so I wanted to surprise him!
hololive TODAY:
Is this your first time at OffKai Expo, or have you attended/tabled here before? And now that we know OffKai returns next spring (April 2027), will you be attending?
Dayshi:
This was my second Offkai! It felt busier than last year but was still super fun! I would love to attend next year if I get in~
Limpachi:
This is my second Offkai Expo as an artist alley participant. If my schedule is open, I will most likely be coming back next year in April!
Moorina:
This was my 2nd year attending as an artist at Offkai. It has quickly become my most favorite event, so I will definitely keep applying as long as they still accept me!
Ojamahou:
This was my second time at Offkai Expo! Last year I also tabled. It was soooo much fun that I knew that I had to come back this year again. Of course I will be attending next year's event! This convention has become a MUST for me.
Oolongcreama:
This was my second time! I would love to return in the spring if my schedule allows.
Tellingbone:
Thank fucking god. Can I say that here? Oh well. San Jose is too hot for a summer con, so April is fine by me.
For some reason, they let me in this year and last year. I hope they have a similar lapse in judgement in 2027 - I'd love to come back.
Ushiipurin:
This year’s Offkai Expo was actually my second time tabling and my second time attending the con in general! Even with the new date for next year, I still would love to attend, ideally as a tabling artist again - fingers crossed!
Xiisalt:
This is my first time and I would be delighted to be back in April if I can!
hololive TODAY:
What do you like most about OffKai Expo compared to other conventions? What do you think could improve for the future?
Dayshi:
I love how many VTuber fans attend it! It’s not often I see many VTuber fans IRL, so it’s one of my favorite things about Offkai~ As for areas to improve, it's hard to say since I stay behind my table most of the time… I guess one small thing would be how confusing it is to get my artist badge though- I’m always sent in circles haha (mostly my fault since I usually get there later than others ;w;)
Limpachi:
What I love most about Offkai Expo is that everyone at the event is here for the same purpose. I mainly watch Japanese streamers, so it's nice to connect with other fans. Not only that, this year I was able to host a stamp rally for my good friend Hamyami Mae. I feel this wouldn't have been possible if I hosted it at any other convention. It was surreal to be able to have a real offkai! I got to meet so many people that I have chatted with only through her streams. It was truly a unique experience.
Moorina:
I think the fact that this event is run by people who are also passionate about vtubers is what makes the difference. Most events are run by companies staffed with people who may or may not care much about the event or demographic. It's a common complaint I see from attendees regarding the selection in vendors and artist alley at many mainstream cons. From the events, panels, selection of guests and their jury choices for vendors, you can tell they actually care about bringing the people what they want! Especially as an artist, I feel more like I was chosen because they feel my work is worth having at the event, rather than simply another number to pay money and fill in a spot. I don't really think there's anything I'd suggest as improvement, as I have quite limited perspective as an artist who is mostly chained to my table. I've had nothing but great experiences with staff!
Ojamahou:
My favourite thing about OKE is the guest selection. They take great care in giving many different kinds of vtubers a platform to show off their talents and be seen by a large crowd. I love walking away from the convention every year with a new oshi to obsess over. I think this year, it was super overwhelming to figure out what concerts and panels I wanted to go to. While I do understand that it's good to have many options so that the crowd is spread amongst the event, I do think they could scale it back a little.
Oolongcreama:
Offkai's energy reminds me a lot of what it was like when I attended anime conventions as a kid - it feels very community oriented and it's easy to talk to people and join spontaneous moments. Anime becoming more mainstream has been good in some ways, but I think the crowds at bigger conventions have shifted accordingly without adopting the culture that made them so special in the first place. People aren't afraid to be cringe here, and I hope it stays that way. In the back of my head I always think about how the convention is run by a small team of very hardworking people so it's difficult to ask for improvements, but they have already heard my feedback and I'm looking forward to seeing what they might do with it in the coming year.
Tellingbone:
Vtubers are a more specific fandom than just 'anime' or 'games', and so people are a lot less shy to talk to me about their interests. I love a good yap.
As for improvements... We need the party floor back. I was sober for the whole convention. I can't type that without crying.
Ushiipurin:
What I like the most about Offkai Expo is the emphasis on vtubers and their consideration of both streamers and their communities. Offkai Expo is able to bring so many passionate and enthusiastic individuals together all for a common thing we share - the love for our oshis. Being able to interact with others in the same vtuber communities and even be able to share the existence of my favorites with curious onlookers through my art is such a wonderful feeling, and Offkai Expo gives me that platform to do so. Offkai as it is, is already so catered to the fans and the vtubers that I can’t think of anything to improve other than their continuous growth that will inevitably happen as the years go by!
Xiisalt:
Offkai and vtuber conventions in general are so fun - there's so many events that I'm genuinely interested in and I get to meet my oshis and artist friends. The vibes are absolutely immaculate as well!
hololive TODAY:
From the hololive art/creative works you've had on display at OffKai, which one would you say is your favorite?
Dayshi:
It's hard to pick one… but Kronii and Biboo would be my favs! I was really happy with how they turned out.
Limpachi:
My favorite work I had on display was my ReGloss t-shirt! I handmake my shirts and this design is one of my favorites. It features the girls in their Flashpoint outfits with Ao-kun in the middle. The idea was that Ao-kun bought VIP concert tickets and got to take a photo with her favorite idol group. I really love their new outfits and searched far and wide for a shirt that matched the denim aesthetic. I'm always happy when someone acknowledges them. ReGloss forever!
link to OffKai Expo apparel catalogue listing the ReGloss shirt: https://x.com/limpachu/status/2080648580226760925/photo/1
Moorina:
I'm very passionate about designing and creating plushies, so I would say my favorite Hololive work at my table is my Gura and Fuwamoco plushies! It's really difficult to find traction for them these days since Hololive is not lacking in amazing official merch, but I still love to bring out my own spin on my oshis in soft plushie form. They're definitely a labor of love that takes a lot of investment and time to create haha
Ojamahou:
It's a tough choice for me because I had a passion project and then a print that I really pushed myself to make but I would have to go with my Gigi Murin Stationery Set. I spent a lot of months thinking about what to include, sourcing the manufacturers and putting together all the art and when I got to see everything assembled together for the first time, I teared up a little. It was a little ambitious of me but I was super happy with the turnout!
link to Ojamahou’s Gigi Murin Stationery Set: https://x.com/ojamahou/status/2078300421962002745
Oolongcreama:
Though I didn't have her with me this year, I always enjoy having my gigi puppet on display- with VTubing being such a virtual medium, I think it makes it more special to have physical things for people to come and see in person, and for people to gather in general. This year the set from "I'll still be here" was on display at my table, which was a treat for me and something exclusive to offkai because it's a lot to set up for just any old con!
link to Oolongcreama’s image of the “I’ll still be here” set: https://x.com/oolongcreama/status/2081078807910576443/photo/2
Tellingbone:
I put my whole pussy into that TAKO TAKOVER charm. I didn't expect it to sell since it features the Ina outfit I made, and not any of her other outfits that I assumed were created by a crack team of world renowned designers. I was very surprised to see other merch of her and the nuns around the con (I have a Pochaimo print in my room now...)
Anyway, I ended up selling all 50 on the first day. Sorry to everybody else who wanted one...
Ushiipurin:
I would say my favorite hololive work I had on display were my penlight films! I’m big on oshikatsu and being able to show my support for my oshis through various types of merch is always super fun. Having a customized penlight to wave around during concerts or other events was such a neat concept for me. Seeing all the colorful designs next to each other where you can pick and choose your own oshi for your own penlight is probably my favorite thing to showcase at my booth.
image source: https://x.com/ushiipuriin/status/2081081804921172091
Xiisalt:
I think my favourites would be the ones of each Hololive en generation, it just makes me feel quite nostalgic
hololive TODAY:
For any fans of your creative works, do you have a quick message to them?
Dayshi:
I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who likes my art. It’s what keeps me going!
Limpachi:
To my fans, thank you for always coming to see me at events even just to chat! All the words of support I receive means a lot as a small creator. I hope I can connect with my fans more in the future! See you next time gamers!
Moorina:
Thank you for supporting my little creations!! I'm extremely grateful to be able to continue to create thanks to the support of everyone... I never thought this kind of thing would be possible!! I'll keep doing my best to make cute, fun and charming little things that can brighten your day and make you smile ^o^)/
Ojamahou:
I would like to thank everyone so much for supporting me! I never thought I would be able to have fun drawing, post my art for others to see and then go as far as to sell it at conventions. College really took a lot of my confidence in my art out of me but the community has definitely restored it. I hope to be back at Offkai Expo vending again and if not, I will catch you all online!~
Oolongcreama:
Thank you for enjoying my work!! I feel very grateful that I get to work on such fun creative projects with amazing people. I put a lot of myself into everything I do, and I hope I can keep making things in some shape or form for everyone to look forward to!
Tellingbone:
What? Huh? A fan? That's crazy! AAAAAA! I'm scared! Get away! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!
That's all. Thank you for having me.
Ushiipurin:
Thank you everyone for all the warm support you’ve given me throughout these years of creating. Being able to share my love for my favorites through my art so openly and freely with you all has always been the most gratifying thing in my career. Let’s continue to support each other because at the end of the day, we love what we love and I’m going to keep creating what brings me joy and I hope you continue to enjoy it as well~
Xiisalt:
thank you for supporting me! (Idk what to say here uhh listen to draw by Raora panthera).
We’d like to thank Dayshi, Limpachi, Moorina, Ojamahou, Oolongcreama, Tellingbone, Ushiipurin, and Xiisalt for taking the time to share their reflections with us!
It was wonderful learning about each of their individual experiences as creators, as well as how they found their way into the hololive space.
Seeing all the unique paths it took for them, or rather, all of us, to inevitably come together as a hololive community is kinda breathtaking. These experiences we have really are real, and they’re ours to call our own. The very fact that all of us, with such different backgrounds, could even come together in our shared love and respect for hololive is something I always think about. It’s mind boggling.
I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to doing more just like this. Sharing more about the community, with the community.
And thank you, the reader, as always for coming to learn, or maybe appreciate a bit more, the creators and artists doing extraordinary work to help grow the space into what it is.
If, for whatever reason, you haven’t checked out their work or followed them on socials, feel free to do so below:
Dayshi
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/dayshiART
Limpachi
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/limpachu
Moorina
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/booniecake
Ojamahou
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/ojamahou
Oolongcreama
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/oolongcreama
Tellingbone
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/tellingbones
Ushiipurin
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/ushiipuriin
Xiisalt
X/Twitter page: https://x.com/xiisalt_
OffKai Expo 2026 is a North American convention dedicated to celebrating and educating new and longtime fans alike about the VTuber medium, such as its history, technology, subculture, creative and performative works, and more.
Hosted this year from July 24 to July 26 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, the convention is entirely volunteer-run, supported by a collective of individuals from different backgrounds and fandoms in the VTuber space.
See the official site for OffKai Expo here: https://offkaiexpo.com
